National statement delivered by H.E. Andreas von Uexküll, Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), 6 August 2025 in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
First, my deep thanks to our host Turkmenistan for generous hospitality in beautiful and well developed Awaza. Sweden is a longstanding friend and committed partner to the Landlocked Developing Countries. I remember with appreciation our role as co-Chair of the Conference’s Preparatory Committee at the second conference in 2014. This year the Awaza Programme of Action and guiding principle of Leaving No One Behind in the 2030 Agenda cannot be more relevant.
LLDC:s face unique challenges due to lack of direct access to the sea. It hampers trade, connectivity, and economic development. Yet, as we have heard many say, there is significant potential to forge meaningful partnerships that can unlock opportunities for LLDC:s and Sweden remains a strong advocate for building inclusive, resilient partnerships with all its members.
Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, the global landscape has shifted. Poverty reduction has slowed, humanitarian needs are growing, and climate change is accelerating. Democracy is under pressure, which has consequences for global peace and stability. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas has global repercussions and has caused enormous human suffering.
Together with the EU, Sweden is proud to be among the world’s largest providers of Official Development Assistance. We are one of the countries meeting the UN target of 0.7% of GNI for ODA. We are also a leading contributor to climate finance, humanitarian aid, development banks, and the UN system. We encourage others to increase their contributions and broaden the donor base to meet the growing needs.
However, ODA will not be sufficient to bridge the financing gap, and our focus must be on maximising its results, impact and catalytic potential. Finding ways to efficiently support countries’ ownership in driving national reforms will be key. This can contribute to better domestic resource mobilisation, attracting private capital flows, and managing debt sustainability. Enhanced voice and representation for the most vulnerable countries in global economic governance is also an important step forward.
In this context we highlight the importance of trade and infrastructure — roads, railways and access to waterways, ports, energy transit systems, and digital infrastructure is vital. Through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, the EU leverages public and private financial flows to achieve a total investment volume of up to 300 billion euro before 2027 including from EU Member States and European financial and development institutions. Sweden stands ready to work constructively with LLDC:s on the priorities of the Awaza Programme of Action, in a spirit of renewed and strengthened partnership.
Thank you.
